National security experts and practitioners participated in the annual Alumni Continuing Education (ACE) on 9-10 August 2023 at NDCP. The ACE is one of the many pre-anniversary activities of the College as it celebrates its 60th founding anniversary on 11 August 2023.

This year, the ACE 2023 tackled important national security issues under the theme “Rethinking about Security for Peace, Prosperity, and People’s Safety in a Multipolar World: Theoretical Views, Policy Insights, and Strategic Directions.” This year’s theme covers four thematic areas as follows: a) Study of worldviews, theoretical lenses, and security perspectives; b) Understanding of Filipino culture, national interests, and security outlook; c) Assessment of threats to national security, regional stability, and international peace; and d) Articulation of policy questions and evaluation of strategic options for the Philippines’ national security.

Each thematic area featured subject matter experts, including Dr Ananda Devi Domingo-Almase, Program Director of ACE 2023 and NDCP Faculty member, Dr Alan A Lachica, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the NDCP, Dr Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby of the International Studies Department of the De La Salle University, Prof Felipe Jocano Jr, Chairperson of the Department of Anthropology of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Dr Clarita R Carlos, Political Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Assistant Director General Jonathan E Malaya of the National Security Council, BGen Rommel R Cordova PA MNSA, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Undersecretary Jesus Ricardo S Domingo MNSA of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Dr Aaron Jed Rabena, Faculty member of the UP Asian Center.

The NDCP President, LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF (Ret), in his closing message, thanked the organizers of the ACE, led by Dr Ananda Devi D Almase for the success of the activity. He also expressed his gratitude to the invited speakers who delivered their lectures regarding the topics at hand.